Steelers 2-12 1965 Defeated Eagles on the Road

[LeonardRachiele]

Sometimes you have more to learn more from bad teams than with good ones. This was the case with the 1965 Steelers. After losing their first five games, the Steelers staggered into Franklin Field to meet the 3-5 Philadelphia Eagles. The game showed how meaning less some statistics are. In the first quarter the Eagles were leading 7 to 0 with the ball at their own 20. Tim Brown carried and DE John Baker ripped the ball loose. Brown fumbled and, with help of a great bounce, DB Willie Daniels caught the ball and returned it 17 yards for a touchdown. Missing the PAT, the score was now 7 to 6.

In the second quarter, the Philadelphia was on a drive deep in Steeler territory. DB Jim Bradshaw intercepted a pass and returned for 87 yards and a touchdown. At the half Pittsburgh led 13 to 7. In the second half, QB Bill Nelson capped a drive with a four yard pass to Mike Lind. After five games, it was Nelson's first touchdown pass of the year. Score 20 to 7. Having the best game of his career, Jim Bradshaw intercepted two more passes making his total for this game 110 yards.

Philadelphia managed a late touchdown but lost 20 to 14. The Eagles had 20 first downs to 8 for Pittsburgh. Likewise with total yards 388 to 132; but the turnovers ruled the game.